Better Understanding. Better Decisions. Better Performance.

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This page contains the essential resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. It covers everything I read, audios I listen to, events I attend, places where I teach, links I go to, videos I watch, and a few others things I like to share.

I constantly update the list as I discover new resources. If you don’t want to scroll through the entire list, you can click on one of the links below and filter the resources by specific category.

After several unexpected, mass-civilian attacks on U.S. soil in 2015, the fire service will have to provide a more unified response to these new security threats. More use of a rescue task force approach combining law enforcement, fire, and EMS will be required. That means an even better relationship between those services and much more practice together to work out the kinks!

The fire service never leaves anyone behind. Our nation should do the same.

Congress, listen to “the people” and do the right thing!

From Paul Combs:

Daily DRAWN BY FIRE – This illustration was first published in 2010. I find it heartbreaking, discouraging, and infuriating that I can republish it today! The Zadroga Act is not a political football for the House to fumble – contact your Congressional rep and demand they stand up for what’s right. This illustration and message has been forwarded to my Congressman Bob Latta (R) Ohio.

Like many young firefighters, reading Report From Engine Co. 82 inspired me and helped me better understand the culture of the fire service. Many years later, as a chief officer who promoted intentional reading, I re-read it and purchased several copies and passed them on to others. I’ve also read Dennis Smith’s other books that explored the 1906 San Fransisco earthquake and fires, the history of firefighting in America, and firefighters’ lives in their own words. Who better than a firefighter to help us learn and discover the history and meaning of the fire service.

Hooks & Irons, also, is a firefighter owned company that understands the importance of knowing who we are and where we come from. Their mission is to help “celebrate the traditions and history of the fire service,” and they do that through a story-telling blog and the sale of firefighting merchandise that “reflects the beauty and history of our job”. Read their blog on Report From Engine Co. 82 – Remembering A Classic. I wear one of their hats and a couple of their shirts.

So much is new in the fire service: smarter technology, stronger equipment, more efficient techniques, and safer gear. But our greatest challenge, our real purpose, remains the same: to save lives and to protect property.